C hapter 13 - Soil C onservation Policy 1.8 Require resource users to stop work and report to Council if historical, cultural or archaeological artefacts or waahi tapu are unearthed during land disturbance or land excavation. Policy 1.9 Ensure consultation with relevant iwi on land disturbance activities requiring a resource consent. Policy 1.10 Ensure consultation with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust on land disturbance requiring a resource consent. Policy 1.11 Recognise that some activities which involve disturbance of the land surface are an essential part of the sustainable management of other physical resources. The Council has a responsibility under section 30 of the Act to control the use of land for the purpose of soil conservation. Unsound land management practices may lead to an unsustainable land use regime. In the past uncontrolled land disturbance has given rise to significant adverse effects in the Marlborough Sounds area. Control over the effects are necessary to achieve a sustainable land management regime. The policies will apply to all resource use which involves disturbance to the land surface. Prior to commencing land disturbance work and particularly upon application for a resource consent for this activity the Council will need to be satisfied that adequate consultation has taken place. 13.4 Methods of Implementation Rules Land disturbance having a minor effect will be permitted subject to compliance with specified performance criteria which seek to reduce sedimentation, maintain soil quality, reduce the risk of damage from natural hazards, and protect ecological, cultural, and economic values. Consents with conditions will be required for land disturbance activities which fall outside that which is permitted. Conditions will be imposed to avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of land disturbance on the potential and life-supporting capacity of the soil and water resources of the Marlborough Sounds area. Rules are also included to avoid or mitigate the effects of land use on water bodies by such means as specification of appropriate riparian management criteria according to a schedule of significant water courses that have been identified on the basis of natural hazard management, provision of public access and recreation, riparian habitat diversity, in-stream habitat and water quality. Education Information and education programmes will be prepared to address land disturbance issues and the effects of land disturbance, in particular on water bodies, with reference 13 - 3